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Although this year's DTM titles have yet to be decided, Audi has already gone ahead and created the A5 DTM Selection. This limited edition is supposed to “reveal the two-door coupé's connections with the race version”.
Except it really doesn't. For instance, the cars that compete in the DTM feature a petrol-powered 4.0 litre V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. Conversely the road-going A5 DTM Selection has been burdened with a 241 bhp (180 kW / 245 PS) 3.0 litre V6 diesel unit, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

Unfortunately the looks aren't up to much, either. While the Misano Red paintwork and titanium-finished 20” wheels are smart enough, the various decals seem to sit awkwardly between 'subtle' and 'outrageous'. Bodywork changes are limited to black sill extensions, a meagre rear lip spoiler and different front-bumper intake grilles.

At least the inside gains a pair of more supportive sports seats borrowed from the RS 5. Their rear panels – along with several cabin trim pieces – are coloured red to match the exterior (something that anybody sat in the back might not appreciate staring at for a long time).

Sadly, the A5 DTM Selection typifies the kind of special edition that some manufacturers allow their marketing departments to cynically throw together.

Thankfully just fifty examples are being built and availability is restricted to Germany. Each carries a preposterous price tag of €74,540.